Melton Race 5 - Australian Pacing Gold Pace
ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (9) comes here following a Group One sixth a week ago over 2760m at this track, beaten 40 metres by Captains Mistress. Ready to return to form. SON OF MAC NZ (6) resumes from a spell of 17 months after closing off last campaign in good form, the last run being a solid third over 1720m at this track. Sure to prove hard to beat on his return. HES NO ROMEO NZ (1) didn't do a bad job when fourth over 1690m at Kilmore last time out. ATA RANGI (3) is the next elect off a last-start win by a nose at Kilmore over 2180m.

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr1) over 1690m after showing early speed at Kilmore, at the bell was 3rd-4.4 beaten 9 m by Golden Tribe (2:02.00) in NR 75 to 85 on February 7 at $6. Before that, surrendered the lead and finished 9th (Fr4) over 2080m after showing early pace at Cranbourne, at the bell was 5th-8.5 beaten 17 m by War Dan Buddy (2:28.20) in 4-5yo G3 No NR on January 31 at $17. Sure to be hard to beat.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 75 to 85 | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 9.0L | $6.00 |
| 9/10 | 31/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.7 | 4 |
| 17.4L | $17.00 |
| 1/12 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Fast | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.4 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 10/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:53.2 | 2 |
| 3.9L | $11.00 |
| 2/11 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.3 | 1 |
| 3.0L | $2.20 |
| 1/9 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.5 | 4 |
| 4.7L | $8.00 |

Driver: Amy Day
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 6th (Fr5) over 1690m at Kilmore, at the bell was 6th-11.2 beaten 15 m by Golden Tribe (2:02.00) in NR 75 to 85 on February 7 at $26. Two runs back won by 4 m after showing early speed, (Fr1) at Wedderburn (3:11.60) beating Madigan in NR 70 to 95 on January 25 at $4.20 at the bell was leading 0.2. Will find this tough.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 07/02/2026 | 13 | NR 75 to 85 | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:56.2 | 5 |
| 15.7L | $26.00 |
| 1/6 | 25/01/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 95 | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2555m | Neutral | H Lewis | 2:00.7 | 1 |
| 3.9L | $4.20 |
| 6/10 | 11/01/2026 | 10 | NR up to 105 | $15,000.00 | Hamilton | 2660m | Fast | Amy Day | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 23.0L | $34.00 |
| 3/10 | 01/01/2026 | 18 | NR up to 100 | $18,360.00 | Leeton | 2582m | Fast | Matthew Craven | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 8.9L | $6.00 |
| 1/12 | 14/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 95 | $10,000.00 | Gunbower | 2630m | Neutral | H Lewis | 1:58.3 | 2 |
| 1.3L | $13.00 |
| 7/10 | 07/12/2025 | 8 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | H Lewis | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 9.2L | $12.00 |
| 4/6 | 10/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | M J Craven | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 03/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Rory Coverdale | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start won on from midfield and won by a nose (Fr2) at Kilmore (2:39.40) beating Major Art in NR 70 to 85 on February 7 at $11 at the bell was 5th-8.8. Can go back-to-back without surprising.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $25,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.7 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $11.00 |
| 3/8 | 31/01/2026 | 35 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 4.4L | $12.00 |
| 7/11 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.3 | 4 |
| 13.9L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 20/12/2025 | 16 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.5 | 6 |
| 8.0L | $3.20 |
| 1/9 | 04/12/2025 | 5 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 6.7L | $10.00 |
| 1/12 | 29/11/2025 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:54.2 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $2.60 |
| 1/7 | 17/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Kyle Marshall | 0 |
| 31L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/8 | 02/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | C A Alford | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at his last two starts. Placed last start 2nd (Sr1) over 2190m at Maryborough, at the bell was 2nd-0.6 beaten a nose by New Yorker (2:40.10) in NR 60 to 80 on February 4 at $7.50. Before that 3rd (Fr2) over 2555m at Wedderburn was 2nd-4.4 at the bell, beaten 5.5 m by Crime Writer (3:11.60) in NR 70 to 95 on January 25 at $9. This looks a far sterner test.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 04/02/2026 | 10 | NR 60 to 80 | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:57.7 | 1 |
| 0.1L | $7.50 |
| 3/6 | 25/01/2026 | 26 | NR 70 to 95 | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2555m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:00.7 | 2 |
| 5.4L | $9.00 |
| 4/11 | 30/12/2025 | 10 | NR 65 or better | $10,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:57.4 | 1 |
| 7.6L | $6.50 |
| 9/9 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | NR 80 to 92 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 29.8L | $51.00 |
| 1/10 | 06/12/2025 | 27 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.7 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $4.40 |
| 11/11 | 09/11/2025 | 9 | NR 70 to 95 | $15,000.00 | St Arnaud | 2150m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:58.7 | 6 |
| 29.8L | $3.90 |
| 1/5 | 10/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Michael Bellman | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/4 | 17/06/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | M J Bellman | 0 |
| 25L | $0.00 |

Driver: Damian Wilson
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 6th (Fr1) over 1690m after showing early pace at Kilmore, at the bell was 6th-9.2 beaten 7 m by Smoken Ace (1:58.20) in LR No NR on February 7 at $51. Showed ability the run before when he won by 7 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr3) at this track (2:01.90) beating Jaccka Connor in NR up to 80 on January 10 at $1.70. Can bounce back.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 07/02/2026 | 28 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Damian Wilson | 1:52.6 | 1 |
| 7.6L | $51.00 |
| 1/8 | 10/01/2026 | 14 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Damian Wilson | 1:54.1 | 3 |
| 7.3L | $1.70 |
| 4/9 | 27/12/2025 | 21 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Damian Wilson | 1:51.4 | 3 |
| 6.6L | $19.00 |
| 7/8 | 06/12/2025 | 7 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Damian Wilson | 1:55.5 | 2 |
| 19.0L | $5.00 |
| 7/11 | 29/11/2025 | 10 | NR 75 to 88 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:53.3 | 2 |
| 9.1L | $8.00 |
| 5/11 | 19/11/2025 | 32 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:53.4 | 2 |
| 5.8L | $10.00 |
| 1/6 | 14/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | L E Wilson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 30/11/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | L Crossland | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kyle Marshall
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a spell of 17 months. Finished off last preparation when well beaten into third behind Tiger Band Wagon at this track over 1720m in a 1W/15 0K stake on September 26 2024 at $3. Has a strong first-up record with three wins to his name and is sure to measure up.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/3 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | R L Clarke | 0 |
| 4.8L | $0.00 | |
| 3/6 | 27/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kyle Marshall | 0 |
| 2.8L | $0.00 | |
| 3/10 | 26/09/2024 | 13 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:53.4 | 4 |
| 17.7L | $3.00 |
| 2/10 | 13/09/2024 | 27 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | K J Marshall | 1:56.0 | 3 |
| 4.1L | $4.20 |
| 2/10 | 17/08/2024 | 42 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | K J Marshall | 1:54.2 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $3.00 |
| 2/11 | 06/07/2024 | 14 | 1W/15 0K stake | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | K J Marshall | 1:56.3 | 2 |
| 1.5L | $4.40 |
| 1/12 | 22/06/2024 | 7 | NR up to 89 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | K J Marshall | 1:56.6 | 6 |
| 5.1L | $4.00 |
| 9/10 | 15/06/2024 | 35 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | K J Marshall | 1:52.7 | 7 |
| 24.6L | $5.50 |

Driver: Ryan Sanderson
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at his last two starts at this course. Placed last start surrendered the lead and finished 3rd (Fr4) over 1200m after showing early speed at this track beaten 2.5 m by Hi Manameisjeff (1:21.00) in LR No NR on February 14 at $15. Before that 3rd (Fr5) over 2180m after showing early pace at Kilmore was leading by 4 at the bell, beaten a head by Ata Rangi (2:39.40) in NR 70 to 85 on February 7 at $1.80. Not as keen on his chances in this line-up.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 14/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1200m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 4 |
| 2.5L | $15.00 | |
| 3/8 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $25,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.7 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $1.80 |
| 1/8 | 31/01/2026 | 168 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:56.7 | 5 |
| 2.7L | $10.00 |
| 1/4 | 06/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Connor Clarke | 0 |
| 4.6L | $0.00 | |
| 7/7 | 16/08/2025 | 28 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:54.5 | 6 |
| 35.3L | $13.00 |
| 8/8 | 19/07/2025 | 7 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:55.9 | 6 |
| 16.1L | $4.20 |
| 7/11 | 12/07/2025 | 161 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:52.5 | 5 |
| 7.8L | $10.00 |
| 1/6 | 01/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | S R Loftus | 0 |
| 4.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Laura Wilson
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort despite getting well back, when 2nd (Fr3) over 1690m at Kilmore was 7th-13 at the bell, beaten 1.5 m by Smoken Ace (1:58.20) in LR No NR on February 7 at $61. Heading the right way and is a leading player.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 07/02/2026 | 25 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:52.6 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $61.00 |
| 0/12 | 13/01/2026 | 17 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:53.2 | 2 |
| 99.0L | $3.40 |
| 8/9 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:51.4 | 1 |
| 21.9L | $7.50 |
| 8/9 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | NR 80 to 92 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:55.6 | 1 |
| 23.9L | $18.00 |
| 1/8 | 06/12/2025 | 7 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:55.5 | 6 |
| 7.7L | $3.00 |
| 6/12 | 29/11/2025 | 9 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Laura Wilson | 1:53.9 | 3 |
| 18.1L | $51.00 |
| 2/5 | 06/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Laura Wilson | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/7 | 07/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | L Wilson | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jason Lee
Stats
Comments
Six-year-old mare who has plenty of ability. Unlucky last start was well back in the run when 6th (Fr4) over 2760m at this track beaten 40 m by Captains Mistress (3:15.90) in G1 No NR M on February 14 at $101. A better run is on the cards.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 14/02/2026 | 14 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:54.2 | 4 |
| 41.7L | $101.00 |
| 4/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:53.7 | 1 |
| 24.5L | $41.00 |
| 3/7 | 24/01/2026 | 13 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:53.1 | 3 |
| 6.2L | $34.00 |
| 7/10 | 11/01/2026 | 8 | NR up to 105 | $15,000.00 | Hamilton | 2660m | Fast | Glen Craven | 1:55.6 | 4 |
| 23.7L | $12.00 |
| 5/7 | 03/01/2026 | 14 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:54.4 | 7 |
| 5.3L | $6.00 |
| 5/10 | 20/12/2025 | 126 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:52.8 | 1 |
| 20.0L | $15.00 |
| 1/2 | 09/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 12/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |